Marijuana Odor Leads to Arrest At Seatbelt Check

Orange Police say the smell of marijuana in a vehicle led to the arrest of two individuals during a seatbelt check on Route 34 last week.

The vehicle was stopped at a safety checkpoint at 2:15 p.m. on June 12, and officers intended to cite the driver for illegally tinted windows, according to the police report.

"Upon speaking to the occupants, officers could smell a strong odor of marijuana," the report states. "A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of both marijuana and cocaine." 

Both occupants were taken into custody and charged. The individuals and charges are as follows: 

James Bryant, 40, of New Haven, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics, and possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a school.

He was released after posting a $1,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in court on June 26.

Bertram Durham, 40, of New Haven, was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, and possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a school.

Police said Durham also had a warrant out for his arrest, issued by the New Haven Police, so he was turned over to their custody.